Accessibility

We want everyone to have a great time at the Museum and Sea Center, so we strive to make our programs, exhibitions, and facilities accessible for everyone by removing barriers, delivering a welcoming and relevant experience, and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Sea Center

The Sea Center has two levels and an elevator. All exhibits are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, however, the Sea Center does not have wheelchairs available for guest use.

Museum

ADA Accessible Pathways and Restrooms

Renovations in 2018 have made the Museum more accessible than ever to those with physical disabilities. All exhibits at the Museum are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with the exception of strollers inside the Butterfly Pavilion. Download our ADA Accessible Map to plan your visit, or ask for a copy at the Admissions Office when you arrive.

Accessible pathways for wheelchairs and strollers are indicated on the map in blue. All restrooms have accessible facilities and are indicated on the map by a wheelchair symbol.

Wheelchair Rental

Wheelchairs are available for guest use at no cost on a first-come, first served basis in the Admissions Office. Guests are asked to leave a valid ID or collateral upon check-out. ID/Collateral is given back to the guest when the wheelchair is checked back in.

Parking

Accessible parking spots are located in front of the Blue Whale Skeleton in the Museum's parking lot. The parking spots are next to an accessible pathway to the Admissions Office. Guests may also use the drop-off area along Puesta del Sol to shorten the distance from the parking lot to the Museum entrance.

Service Animals Policy

In order to provide a secure and healthy environment for our guests, as well as to protect our collections, we can only allow trained service animals on Museum property. A service animal is one that is trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Guests with service animals must agree to:

Have their animal on a six foot or shorter leash. No retractable leashes allowed.

Observe live birds of prey (Eyes in the Sky) from a distance of 25 feet. Please do not approach live birds with your animal.

Carry small animals while in the Butterfly Pavilion to avoid accidents with butterflies or other guests.

Be aware that some Museum guests are afraid of or allergic to animals.

Pick up after their service animal.

Leave Museum property if their animal misbehaves.

Language Accessibility

The Museum offers two iPads loaded with the Google Translate App for guests who would like support in the translation of exhibit content. iPads can be checked out for up to two hours from Naturalist staff in the Museum’s Curiosity Lab exhibit space. Guests are asked to leave a valid ID or collateral upon check-out. ID/Collateral is given back to the guest when the device is checked back in.

Farrand Auditorium: Need a break space? Take a few moments to rest in our Auditorium next to the Space Sciences gallery when not in use.

Awareness Days:The Museum partnered with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) to provide Autism Awareness Days in 2018. Families affected by autism were invited to the Museum on a dedicated free admission day while having the opportunity to learn about CARD and their resources.

Check this page for future Awareness Days in 2019.

Work with a special population? For inquiries about hosting a future Awareness Day, contact Justin Canty, Director of Education at jcanty@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 162.